First Course

Clams Oreganata
Roasted Red Pepper, Lemon Zest, Parsley

Baccala Montecato Crostini
Salt Cod is the one dish that must be part of the Feast of The Seven FIshes

Second Course

White Anchovies
Arugula, Shaved Fennel, Pickled Onion, Breadcrumbs

Grilled Calamari Salad
Smoked Chick Peas, Black Olives, Celery

Third Course

Shrimp And Mussel Cacciucco
The classic fish stew from Viareggio in Tuscany

Fried Flounder
Lemon, Aioli

Dessert

Mini Cannoli

Dark Chocolate Budino

December 24, 2010 5-9 PM
$65 per guest

What apparently originated in southern Italy many moons ago has now become a uniquely Italian-American tradition. Also known as The Vigil, the Feast of the Seven Fishes harkens back to the glory days of abstinence in the Catholic Church...this abstinence is of course the not eating of meat or milk products on specified Holy Days or on Fridays (since our household celebrated “Hot Dog Fridays”, this was one tenet of Catholicism we had trouble keeping, along with paying for indulgences). The matter of “7” courses of fish generally is thought to relate to the 7 Sacraments. Or it could be the 7 days of creation. Or it could be the 7 deadly sins.

Or it could be because both Mickey Mantle and David Beckham wore #7 on their jerseys. Or, it could just be that “7” is a number representing perfection (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are 3 and the Earth is 4 and 7 references the presence of God on Earth).

Ultimately, the number of fishes/dishes is secondary to the fact that the culture of the table is being shared by family and friends.

print version of this menu (pdf)

Hearth
403 East 12th Street New York, NY
646.602.1300
info@restauranthearth.com
www.restauranthearth.com